'Tribals' capacity to harness fruits of development limited'

Despite efforts, the capacity of tribal people to harness fruits of development and to access various schemes for delivery of public goods and services has remained limited over the years, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram said today.
"The capacity of tribal people to harness the fruits of development and to access various schemes for delivery of public goods and services has remained limited over the years.
"Integrated Tribal Development Agencies were the institutions assigned with the role to facilitate such access. But over the years, several scheme-specific bodies at district level became stronger whereas ITDAs/ITDPs have become weak or non-existent in most of the states. The Ministry has taken up strengthening of these institutions on priority," said Oram.

Releasing a booklet on the achievements of the Ministry, the minister said that tribal research institutes have become weak in many states thus reducing knowledge support to persons in charge of tribal development.
"Urban areas have seen increasing number of tribal people but there is no agency to look after their special problems... The guidelines have been revised so that these institutions may be equipped with proper infrastructure, manpower and flexibility," he said.
Citing a few recent initiatives taken by his Ministry, Oram said a protocol for identification of sickle cell hemoglobin in tribal students through a low cost "turbidity test" has been developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

"A card is being issued to each child on sickle cell status which would be used to counsel parents of sickle cell carriers not to marry other sickle cell carrier. Also to reduce incidences of Malaria amongst the tribal population, composite fish cultures in the ponds has been advocated.

"Using space technology mapping of existing ponds and potential ponds has been started and training workshops been held in all States/UTs with ST population. This prevents the breeding of mosquitoes," he said.
The Ministry, in collaboration with states governments, local bodies, and with the All India Radio, is planning for wide publicity for admission, enrolment and education of tribal children.

"Awareness drive in campaign and celebration mode is being designed targeting the tribal children, parents, communities, teachers and school administration and will continue throughout the year," he said.